~Cana’s POV:The first time I woke, it was to the feeling of scorching heat, traveling at an excruciatingly slow pace across my body. My throat was dry and thirsted for something I had never tasted. What it was, even I didn’t know. But I tried my best to pull my mind away from the thirst, stirring in the bed below me and trying to focus on prying the suffocating attire off my body. Voice, or rather, a voice, reached my ear. It sounded distant, but familiar nonetheless. The space beside me dipped, I wanted to open my eyes, but couldn’t bring my body to do so. Hands, gentle and comforting, ran themselves through my hair, and I felt myself being pulled against a cold surface. It was comforting, enough to get the fire in me dying down slowly.Coupled with the sweet smell that invaded my nostrils, I couldn’t fight against the sudden sleepiness and soon found myself drifting off, again.The second time I woke, the feeling was much more different. I felt less heated, but I guessed that c
~Cana’s POV:My sleep was peaceful, accompanied by the sound of birds chirping and a distinct hum in the distance. Slowly, I stirred in bed, taking my time before I peeled my eyes open. When I did, I was welcomed by the sight of a familiar bedroom, one belonging to Zane. I quickly recalled how I had come to his room and how he had graciously offered his bed to me, while he slept on the couch. I chuckled, lightly. Seemed like chivalry wasn’t all that dead. The sound of the bathroom door opening drew my attention away from the empty chair. I glanced in the direction of the bathroom and got my first shock of the day. Zane stepped out, wearing nothing but grey joggers and a hand towel placed around his neck. His hair was still damp and clung to his face. The scent of his bath mist mixed with the subtle scent of his pheromone, smelt heavenly. If I didn’t know my place in this situation, I would have drooled like a mad dog. “Oh, Cana,” Zane finally noticed that I had woken up after a
~Cana’s POV:Axel stepped into the meeting room and my world seemed to spin.He was the last person I wanted to see, the last person I wanted to talk to, the last person I wanted near me, the last person I wanted to be in the same room with, and yet, here he was, staring at me, wearing that sick grin.He knew, he had known all along, that I was with Zane, which was the reason he had proposed a collaboration to the company, that Zane’s company so happened to be working with.That sick bastard. He was holding onto a vendetta that was uncalled for. But could I be surprised, this was Axel we were all talking about. The bastard once attempted to banish someone from the pack, over something as simple as a loan and this was his ego being bruised here, of course, he’d hold a vendetta. “Alpha De Luca,” Axel greeted, his eyes remaining glued to mine. “What a coincidence. We meet again.”Zane did not respond, nor did he look amused. The way his eyes were narrowed and his jaw was clenched, he l
Zane’s POV: I was trying to work, or at least, I attempted to, right before the sound of rapid knocking filled my ear. I was in a bad mood, always had been after running into the stinking mutt at Jule’s Crop, and was about to send whoever it was knocked away, that is until the faint smell of Cana’s pheromones drifted into my nose.It was subtle, but enough to tell me it was her.My mood lifted slightly but was overlapped by the worry evident in her knocking. I abandoned the documents in my hand and headed for the door.“Cana,” The moment I opened the door, the sight of a worried Cana greeted me.Her scent was filled with panic; her face was contorted with fear, and her entire body trembled with worry.She looked at me and hesitated, almost as if she didn’t want to tell me at first, but after several seconds, she blurted out.“Something’s happened to Mia.”My brows creased. “Mia?”“My closest friend,” She explained, wringing her fingers together in an anxious way. “She called me ea
~Cana’s POV:Immediately after the guard’s words, power in the entire house went out, plunging us into a world of darkness.From beside me, Mia yelped in surprise. I also would have done the same if not for the comforting presence that I recognized in front of me in seconds. It was Zane, quickly acting like a protective shield if something was going to happen to me; I knew. Sadly, as much as I appreciated his effort, it made things harder for me. His acting the way he has always done was making things harder for me. “What is the meaning of this?!” Axel demanded, looking around in the dark room. “What’s going on?”His words were followed by a loud shatter and a scream.The sound of something falling came after that, along with several grunts and groans.It was like a war was raging, and we could only hear the aftermath of it.“Someone’s fighting?!” Ivy’s voice was filled with panic. I could vaguely see the way she stepped back, preparing to bolt at any given time. I shook my head.
The entire pack was in chaos for the first hour. Medical staff rushed here and there, attending to the injured while the corpses were carried away.I sat in the familiar living room with Zane beside me, watching as all this unfolded. Trust me, I wanted nothing more than to be out of this place right now, but I couldn’t do that, at least not when I hadn’t gotten the information I wanted. “What happened?”The familiar voice tore me out of my dazed state. I raised my head and watched as my father walked in. He questioned a few of the guards around before he even took notice of Zane and I’s presence, and he did not look the happiest to see me. “Why are you here Cana? What did you do this time around? You know what, don’t answer that; answer the first: why are you here after I explicitly told you that the banishment is for three years?”He fired all questions at me all at once and honestly, I felt saddened by the fact that all he cared about was whether I had broken the rules given, rat
~Zane’s POV:I sat at the edge of my bed, face buried in my palms as my mind replayed my interaction with Cana.Oh, why did I snap the way I did? She must have been scared of me by now. ‘Damn,’ I cursed, knowing fully well that even under the minimal pressure she was putting me under by asking those questions, I should have kept in check. But for some reason, I snapped, and I-Ah, I sighed and cut my thoughts off before they could travel any further. Thinking about what I did to Cana shouldn’t be so discomforting, yet it was. Perhaps because I knew my actions would bring forth a boundary of walls that I was working on breaking down.I stood up from the bed and took a deep breath, willing myself to calm down.It worked, and after a few minutes, the raging desire that was ready to take over my body was tamed and I was able to think about the more pressing matter at hand. Cana wanted to know all about the creatures that attacked. Somehow, she seemed to have a hunch that I knew what th
Dinner was...strange. Talia sat with us, a fresh change from it just being I and Zane alone, yet, I couldn't bring myself to enjoy the meal nor focus on the pack story she was telling me. My mind drifted between the creature we had encountered, the training I had woefully failed, and Zane's words. I wasn't ready. For what? The danger that came with Knowledge? And if that was it, how dangerous was knowing? I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't notice Talia had stopped speaking. "Is everything okay, Lady Cana?" She asked, tilting her head to the side in a cute manner, one I would have acknowledged if I wasn't too jumbled with all my thoughts. Forcing a smile, I nodded. "Yes, just, tired." Turning my attention back to my half-eaten meal, I caught Zane staring at me from across the table, but he made no effort to talk. Neither did I. It was clear that things were still a bit awkward, after the things I had said. Averting my gaze, I tried my best to continue eating, but n
The soft morning sun filtered through the curtains of their modest home in Ashbrook, painting the walls with warm hues of gold and pink. Cana stirred awake, the sound of tiny footsteps pattering down the hallway pulling her from her dreams. A soft giggle followed—a giggle she could recognize anywhere.Cana smiled and turned toward Zane, who was still fast asleep, his face relaxed and peaceful. She reached over to nudge him.“Your daughter is up,” she whispered.Zane groaned but smiled, keeping his eyes closed. “Our daughter,” he corrected, but he didn’t make any effort to move.Cana chuckled and threw the blanket off. “Fine, I’ll get her. But you’re on pancake duty.”That got him to open one eye. “Deal.”As Cana walked toward the living room, she found Peace sitting in the middle of the floor, surrounded by her stuffed animals. She had one of her birthday presents—a small toy piano—in front of her and was pressing random keys, creating a chaotic but delightful melody.“Good morning, m
EpilogueThe soft hum of laughter and the gentle clinking of glasses filled the air as a warm breeze swept through the backyard. The space was alive with celebration, a reflection of a life rebuilt from the ashes of chaos and pain. Cana adjusted the balloons on the arch for what felt like the tenth time, ensuring they were perfect. She stepped back to admire her handiwork and smiled as her gaze landed on Zane, who had their daughter, Peace, perched high on his shoulders.Peace squealed with uncontainable delight, her tiny hands gripping her father’s thick black hair as he prowled around like a pretend wolf.“Rarrrr! The big bad wolf is coming for you!” Zane growled playfully, eliciting another round of giggles from his daughter.“You’re spoiling her,” Cana teased from across the yard, her tone light and affectionate.Zane looked over, his mischievous grin softening. “She deserves to be spoiled, especially today.”Cana chuckled and shook her head. She loved seeing Zane like this, care
The house was eerily quiet as Cana stood in the middle of the living room, a half-packed box of belongings at her feet. The walls that once bore memories of battles, fleeting moments of laughter, and unshakable grief now felt foreign to her.Her fingers rested there as Zane entered the room, his arms full of folded clothes. He set them down on the couch and studied her face.“You sure about this?” he asked softly, breaking the silence.Cana nodded. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”Zane sighed, leaning back against the couch. “I’ll miss this place, you know. Not everything that happened here, but the good parts. It was home for a while.”“Home isn’t a place, Zane,” Cana replied, her voice steadier now. “It’s us. Wherever we go, that’s home.”Zane smiled at her, but there was a trace of sadness in his expression. He knew leaving the pack was necessary, but it didn’t make saying goodbye any easier.Lionel appeared in the doorway, his ever-present smirk subdued for once. He held a
The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the forest that stretched beyond the small town Cana and Zane had called home. The evening breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and damp earth. Cana sat on the back porch of their cabin, a blanket draped over her shoulders, her hands cradling a steaming mug of tea. Zane leaned against the railing, his arms crossed over his chest, his sharp eyes fixed on the setting sun.Now that Axel is behind bars for the first time in what felt like years, there was silence. No battles, no cries for help, no looming threats. And yet, the quiet carried its weight.“You’ve been quiet,” Cana said, breaking the silence. Her voice was soft but carried a trace of concern.Zane turned to her, his expression unreadable. “Just thinking.”“About?”He hesitated for a moment, then pushed off the railing and sat down beside her. “About us. About what comes next.”Cana frowned, setting her mug down on the smal
Cana stirred awake, her body aching and her mind clouded with fragmented memories. The last thing she recalled was the overwhelming rush of power coursing through her veins, her hands shifting into claws, and her body morphing into something primal. She felt the pull of the wolf—a force so ancient and raw that it left her trembling. The familiar scent of cedar and leather told her she was in Zane’s cabin.Her eyes fluttered open to see Zane sitting beside her bed, his elbows resting on his knees, his face etched with worry. His knuckles were bruised, his clothes torn, but his relief was palpable as their gazes met.“You’re awake,” he said softly, his voice heavy with emotion.“What happened?” Cana croaked, her throat dry. She winced as she tried to sit up, every muscle in her body screaming in protest.Zane reached for a glass of water on the bedside table and handed it to her. “You shifted, Cana. Fully. Into a wolf.”The words hung in the air, and Cana’s heart raced. She clutched the
Seven Months AgoThe cell was dimly lit, the air heavy with the scent of rust and despair. Ashley sat slumped against the cold metal wall, her wrists shackled and her expression weary but defiant. She heard footsteps echoing through the corridor and turned her gaze toward the source. Lionel stepped into view, a sly smile curling his lips.“What do you want now?” Ashley snapped, her voice dripping with disdain.Lionel leaned against the bars of her cell, his posture relaxed but his eyes calculating. “You’re the one who replicated wolfsbane,” he began. “What was your intention?”Ashley snorted. “I had no intention. I was just following Jeremy’s orders.”Lionel tilted his head, his smirk unfaltering. “And now that he’s gone? What’s the plan?”Ashley’s lips twitched in a mock smile. “I’ll think about that part when I’m free of these chains.”Lionel chuckled, a low, almost sinister sound. “You know, we don’t necessarily have to be enemies here.”Ashley narrowed her eyes. “What’s that suppo
Axel stormed into his house, his mind swirling with anger and disbelief. The Elders had banished him, taking everything from him without a second thought. He gritted his teeth, trying to keep his temper in check, but it was impossible. Everything he had worked for, every plan he had carefully laid out, seemed to be crumbling beneath his feet.“Just wait,” he muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing. “I’ll make them all pay. But first, Zane... you will finally pay for always standing in my way.”The next morning, Axel woke to a loud knock on his door. His head was pounding, and his frustration hadn’t waned in the least. He trudged to the door, swinging it open to reveal three figures standing in his doorway: Lionel, Larz, and Akam.They exchanged brief greetings before stepping inside. Axel didn’t bother with pleasantries; his mind was focused solely on one thing.“So, tell us, Axel,” Lionel asked, his voice calm but curious. “Why the rush to kill Zane?”Axel clenched his fists,
The air in the dimly lit room was thick with tension. Five Elders, each radiating authority, sat in a semicircle as Axel stood before them. His expression was calm, almost smug, as he prepared to deliver what he believed was a triumphant announcement."My Elders," Axel began, his voice steady but laced with an undertone of pride. "I bring good news. I will soon have an heir."The room remained silent for a moment, the Elders exchanging glances. Finally, one spoke. "Why tell us this?"Axel straightened, confidence surging through him. "Because I want to lead my pack again. An heir solidifies my claim to the title of Alpha."A scoff broke the silence. Another Elder, his eyes sharp and unforgiving, leaned forward. "Even after killing your kind? One of your pack?"Axel's confidence faltered, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. How did they know? He wondered, his mind racing."How did you find out?" Axel asked, unable to hide the shock in his voice."That doesn't concern you," the Elder snapp
Cana hadn’t expected Axel to find her so quickly. She had chosen this small, nondescript motel for exactly that reason—to be far enough from the chaos of her past life to be safe, to think, and to plan. But the moment she heard the knock on her door, her stomach sank. She didn’t have to look through the peephole to know who it was.The deep, almost predatory knock sounded again, and with it came the familiar sense of dread that always seemed to follow Axel. She’d seen his manipulations, his lies, his promises. She knew what he was capable of—what he was still capable of, and she couldn’t afford to be caught off guard.Cana opened the door, and there he was, standing in the hallway with a smug smile that made her stomach twist with disgust. Axel, the man who had once been everything to her, was now a reminder of all the worst decisions she had made. His eyes gleamed with that same cold, calculating look that always came right before he dropped the hammer. The same look that had broken